Samsung Galaxy S5 Buyer's Guide

Samsung's Galaxy S5 is about to launch, and the company's latest flagship Android smartphone is jam-packed with new software features and upgraded hardware. If you've been thinking about picking up the latest from Samsung, here's what will be in store for you starting tomorrow.

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(Slightly) Bigger Display

The Galaxy S5 is equipped with a slightly larger screen than last year's model. The new 5.1-inch Super AMOLED display features a resolution of 1,920 x 1,080, resulting in a pixel density of 432 ppi, which should make Android 4.4.2 KitKat with TouchWiz look great.

High-Powered Hardware

Under the hood, the Samsung Galaxy S5 is powered by a 2.5 GHz quad-core Snapdragon 801 chip (depending on region) and 2GB of RAM. The phone will be offered in 16GB and 32GB varieties, which can be expanded with the help of a microSD card.

A heart rate sensor has been added to the rear of the device, for use with the company's S Health app, and, like the Apple iPhone 5S and Motorola Atrix before it, a fingerprint scanner is now also included. By utilizing the fingerprint scanner, users can bypass typing passwords or add an extra level of security when unlocking the device.

Updated Design

The Galaxy S5 doesn't look largely different from its predecessor, but it is equipped with a new rear casing that should satisfy those who had issues with the slippery plastic that was previously used. During our hands-on time with the phone, we felt that the case's soft-touch finish and perforated pattern made the Galaxy S5 more comfortable to hold than last year's model, while also delivering a more premium feel.

Improved Camera

Samsung's new flagship includes a 16-megapixel rear facing camera—up from the 13-megapixel Galaxy S4—with blazingly fast auto focus that the company claims can focus on a subject in 0.3 seconds. The camera also includes HDR photo and video capabilities and features improved low-light performance.

Protection Against the Elements

Following the likes of Sony, Samsung has made its new phone water and dust resistant. The Galaxy S5 is IP67 certified for dust resistance, and can be dunked in 1 meter of water for half an hour without damaging the device.

Accessories

Along with the Galaxy S5, Samsung will also be offering its new Gear 2 and Gear Neo smartwaches, as well as the fitness-focused Gear Fit wearable. For the phone itself, Samsung has a wireless charging cover that features a window to see at-a-glance information on the phone while letting you charge the device using a Qi charging pad.

Price and Availability

The Samsung Galaxy S5 will be available worldwide starting April 11. Wireless subscribers in the United States will be able to find the phone at a starting price of $199.99 USD, with the unsubsidized price ranging from $599.99 to $649.99. Those in the UK will be able to purchase the new Galaxy for around £579.00.

Justin is all about his family and his gadgets. Follow him on MyIGN or on Twitter at @ItsTheLingo.